On the day of the fires, she had only her car, her cell phone and the clothes on her back.

Later that week, firefighters recovered a few priceless mementos — a cherry and mahogany jewelry box made by her stepfather and some family photos. They also found a bicycle, a case of paper towels and a box of paper supplies in her garage.

With prom just around the corner, Plunkett said they were fortunate that her stepdaughter’s prom dress was at the dry cleaners getting hemmed, and not inside the home.

Grateful Students Pitch In

Students and teachers have been donating cash and gift cards to get the family back on their feet.

Senior Benji Velasco said it’s the least they can do.

“It's been really hard on her, and we're going to help and do everything we can to help her raise money so she can get another home,” Velasco said.

Plunkett was thrilled to receive a care package for her stepdaughter with shampoo and other toiletries.

“She's a very caring person. She's like a mom, kind of role model to me,” said senior Tania Villicana.

"We really are a family," Plunkett agreed.

Colleagues Pay Tribute to Her Teaching

Plunkett has devoted two years to building the school’s culinary program and was recognized for her work just 12 days before the fire.

For the teacher who spends countless hours prepping a kitchen, laundering chef coats and a fine tuning a lesson plan, Plunkett said she's amazed at how many people have offered to help her, including people she doesn't even know.

"There's so many, I can't write enough thank-you notes," she said. "I really appreciate it, because it's hard to be on the receiving side. It's easy to give, but it's hard — because I think I can handle it by myself, but I can't."

Published at 8:04 PM EDT on May 22, 2014 | Updated at 9:37 AM EDT on May 23, 2014